OverviewA small perennial tropical herb with a grooved, much branched reddish stem and a strong disagreeable scent, growing up to 4' tall.Epazote has toothed oval leaves and small green flowers growing in long spikes.
The essential oil, derived from the aerial parts is called Oleum Chenopodii (oil of chenopodium).
The seeds, very small and black, contains a toxic essential oil.An overdoses can result in poisoning and death.
The active ingredient in wormseed is ascaridol, a volatile oil.

Medicinal applicationsAmebicide, dysentery, stomach ache, vermifuge, analgesic, abortifacient, emmenagogue,
rectal bleeding, treatment of ascariasis, also used as a cardiac stimulant.
Wormseed is still used as an anthelmintic in South America; however there are some risks involved since the oil
from Epazote is an acid and very toxic.

Other usesEpazote herb is used as a spice
(leaves, flowers and unripe fruits) in the Mexican cuisine in salad and mint dishes.It is also used
in soups, moles and bean dishes; it has a somewhat tangy flavor, reminiscent of Oregano.However, it
also often compared to cilantro.